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In vivo bioelectronic nose using transgenic mice for specific odor detection
Keqiang Gao1, Songmin Li2, Liujing Zhuang1
1Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|November 13, 2017
Summary
This study developed a biomimetic olfactory biosensor using mouse olfactory sensory neurons for sensitive and specific explosive detection. The system effectively detected trinitrotoluene (TNT) at low concentrations, showing promise for advanced explosive detection technologies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biosensor Technology
- Chemical Sensing
Background:
- The olfactory system functions as a natural biosensor, processing external stimuli with high sensitivity and specificity.
- Biomimetic olfactory biosensors leverage biological components for sensing, offering significant commercial potential for applications like explosive detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an in vivo biomimetic olfactory system for detecting explosives.
- To assess the sensitivity, specificity, and reliability of genetically labeled olfactory sensory neurons for odorant detection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized genetically labeled murine M72 olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP).
- Performed long-term in vivo electrophysiological recordings from M72 OSNs in behaving mice using microelectrode arrays (MEAs) implanted in the olfactory bulb (OB).
Main Results:
- Demonstrated high reliability, reproducibility, and specificity in odor detection using the M72 OSNs.
- Achieved high sensitivity for detecting odorants containing benzene rings, including trinitrotoluene (TNT) at concentrations as low as 10-5M.
- Successfully distinguished TNT from structurally similar chemicals.
Conclusions:
- The in vivo biomimetic olfactory system offers novel approaches for enhancing olfactory biosensor specificity.
- This system shows potential for increasing the working lifespan of biosensors designed for explosive detection.
